In plane pivoting image forming compact disk case

ABSTRACT

A case for a compact disc comprised of a cavity-providing member formed from upper and lower surfaces that are joined to one another on at least one adjacent side and a disc-supporting member providing a protruding CD holding tray that rotates into the cavity-providing member by means of pivot with an axis normal to the plane of the CD case allowing the two members to come together, forming an image at their junction as well as providing protection for, and easy access to, the contained CD.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] U.S. Pat. Documents 5799784 Dec., 96 Bosworth 206/308. 5590768 Jan., 97 Lin 206/308. 5590768 Jan., 97 Hilton 206/308. 5011010 Jan., 90 Francis. et al. 206/307

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Music, movies, software, and many other types of information are currently stored on compact disc. Despite the variety of content on CDs, their cases remain uninteresting and fragile. A typical “jewel case” CD holder consists of two main members that move in relation to each other on a pivot that has an axis in plane with the CD case. A typical case relies on an expanding button that grabs the inside of the CD, to hold the CD in place. As a result the case is fragile and impedes CD removal. The standard CD case design allows the display of artwork through clear plastic but offers little freedom in the case shape itself.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to a case for single compact disks, and more specifically to a case that allows artistic expression through imagery formed from the case itself. Furthermore, when closed the case provides increased protection and ease of access to the contained CD with out deviating from the outside dimensions of a typical “Jewel case”. Because the pivot allows members of the CD case to move in plane with the CD case, there is room for the use of thicker top and bottom surfaces. Furthermore, when the members of the CD case come together an image may be formed from their junction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0006]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the CD case and its components

[0007]FIG. 2 is atop view of the CD case in the closed position.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a top view of the CD case in the open position with CD in place

[0009]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the engaged, locking tab and follower worm.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a view of the pivot and CD positioning tab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1. The CD case is comprised of fifteen parts. The cavity-providing member consists of three laminated parts, an upper surface 9 made of eighth inch thick plastic, a lower surface made of eighth inch thick aluminum, and a spacer 8 made of eighth inch thick aluminum. Three flathead 3, 2, 1 pass through the assembly and thread into the aluminum top surface. The spacer 8 serves to provide a cavity for the CD and holds the quarter inch center or the aluminum pivot 14. The upper and lower surfaces provide protection for the CD. The CD-supporting member consists of five laminated parts, an eighth inch thick plastic top surface 13, an sixteenth inch plastic spacer 12, a sixteenth inch thick plastic CD tray 11, an eighth inch aluminum lower surface 10, and an aluminum CD positioning tab 15. The upper and lower surfaces 13, 10 have eighth inch holes, accommodating the protruding ends of the pivot 14. The spacer provides an adequate gap for the CD. The CD tray 11 provides support for the CD while the CD positioning tab holds it in place. The assembly is held together by three, flathead screws 6, 5, 4 that thread into lower surface 10. The CD positioning tab 15 is glued to the CD tray 11.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 2. The CD case is comprised of two main members, a cavity-providing member 16 and a CD-supporting member 17. When the CD case is closed, the CD is protected, and an image is formed at the junction of the two members. In the closed position, the CD case shares the same external dimensions as a standard “jewel” case.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 3. Rotating the two members 16, 17 about the pivot 14 opens the CD case. In doing so the CD tray slides entirely out from the cavity-providing member. When the CD case is open, the CD 18 is kept in place by the CD positioning tab 15 and the upper surface 13.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 4. When the CD case is in the closed position, it is secured by two sprung interactions. The interaction between the spacer 8 and the CD tray 11 provides a positive snap when the Case is entirely closed. The interaction between the two spacers 8, 12 provides friction throughout the travel of the two members with the exception of the nearly closed and open position.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 5. The pivot 14 is turned from aluminum and has an eighth inch thick center section that is a quarter inch in diameter and ends that are an eighth inch in diameter and a eighth inch long. The center section inserts into the spacer of the cavity-providing member while the ends insert into the upper and lower surface of the CD-supporting member. The CD positioning tab 15 has a large diameter slightly smaller then that of a CD hole. The CD Positioning tab 15 has a small diameter that inserts into the CD tray for alignment when gluing. 

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. A case for a compact disc comprising: Multiple members that form an image through their shape and interaction.
 2. A case for a compact disc comprising: Multiple members that rotate about a pivot that has an axis normal to the plane of the contained CD; Multiple members that move with relation to each other while remaining in plane with the contained CD.
 3. A case for a compact disc comprising: Multiple members that rotate about a pivot that has an axis normal to the plane of the contained CD; Multiple members that move with relation to each other while remaining in plane with the contained CD; Multiple members that form an image through their shape and interaction.
 4. A case for a compact disc comprising: Multiple members that rotate about a pivot that has an axis normal to the plane of the contained CD; Multiple members that move with relation to each other while remaining in plane with the contained CD; A cavity-providing member formed from upper and lower parallel surfaces that are joined to one another on at least one adjacent side; A CD-supporting member providing a protruding tray that holds a CD and rotates into the said cavity-providing member.
 5. A case for a compact disc comprising: Multiple members that rotate about a pivot that has an axis normal to the plane of the contained CD; Multiple members that move with relation to each other while remaining in plane with the contained CD; A cavity-providing member formed from upper and lower parallel surfaces that are joined to one another on at least one adjacent side. A CD-supporting member providing a protruding tray that holds a CD and rotates into the said cavity-providing member; An image that is formed from the shape and interaction of said members.
 6. A case for a compact disc comprising: Multiple members that rotate about a pivot that has an axis normal to the plane of the contained CD; Multiple members that move with relation to each other while remaining in plane with the contained CD; A cavity-providing member formed from upper and lower parallel surfaces that are joined to one another on at least one adjacent side; A CD-supporting member providing a protruding tray that holds a CD and rotates into the said cavity-providing member; A recognizable image that is formed from the shape and interaction of said members; A tab protruding from said CD-supporting member that is deflected by, and interlocking with, said cavity-providing member. 